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Friday, October 30, 2015

Teddy was sick this week and while he was taking his medication along with honey and juices we decided to watch the adventures of hilarious Thornberrys family which came out recently. This fall, climb aboard the Thornberry CommVee and get ready for a wild venture with the release of The Wild Thornberrys: The Complete Series on DVD. Available this month, the 15 disc set contains all 91 globe-trotting episodes of the popular Nickelodeon series.

The hit series The Wild Thornberrys follows the Thornberry family as they travel the world in their Communications Vehicle (or CommVee) looking for rare animals to film. After an encounter with a mysterious shaman, their youngest child Eliza was given the power to speak to animals! Travelling to every corner of the world with her family of daffy documentarians, Eliza uses her fantastic skill to learn about the lifestyles and habitats of the world’s most exotic creatures. Encounter wildlife in all its natural glory and eavesdrop on Eliza’s conversations with silverback gorillas, pythons, crested grebes, tapirs, capybaras, antelopes and more while the CommVee travels on!

Looking at the cover of the set we were sure that somewhat crazy and exciting was ahead. Teddy memorized all the character names after watching first DVD and said that Eliza looks like me ( I think because of braces). There always something happens during The Thornberrys trips, so it is fun to watch. Each child in Thornberry family has own personality and they often do not get along easy with each other. You find that in the series the whole family needs to be creative in order to make all their travels interesting and fun. Lady Thornberry who records travel videos is always with a film camera in her hands. She is also a very smart mom and often keeps kids out of trouble and settle everything. There are some really funny episodes and scenes, and we laughed with Teddy a lot.

Since the release of The Wild Thornberrys, first time in 1998, the series became very popular on Nickelodeon and still continue to entertain and gain new fans.

With its vibrant animation and charming storytelling, plus an all-star voice cast featuring Lacey Chabert (Party Of Five), Tim Curry (The Adventures Of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius) and Flea (The Red Hot Chili Peppers) The Wild Thornberrys an epic adventure that’s fun for the whole family. Produced by Klasky-Csupo for Nickelodeon, The Wild Thornberrys premiered in September 1998 and aired until 2004 with reruns airing on Nicktoons and CBS from 2002-2007.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Halloween is fast approaching and this weekend kids and adults are looking forward to costume parties, celebration, trick-or-treating, lots of candies and scary stories. We will join Halloween party in the evening and before that planning to watch Halloween programming on Family Jr. This year Family Jr. prepared lots of treats and no tricks for viewers so that everyone can we can watch Halloween-themed episodes all day long.
On Saturday, October 31, little monsters at home can enjoy a full day of howl-arious favourites beginning at 6 a.m. ET. Check the listing of detailed program highlights for Family Jr.’s Halloween programming. All programming is subject to change. For a complete schedule, please visit FamilyJr.ca.

Stella and Sam – “Scarecrows and Pumpkins/Dinosaur Days”– 6 a.m.
Sam decides to try standing guard over the pumpkin patch as a scarecrow. During his first shift on scarecrow duty, he must apprehend a funny-looking pumpkin thief. Then, Stella, Sam and Owen travel back in time to go on a dinosaur adventure.

The Save-Ums! – “The Ghost of Wave World!” – 6:45 a.m.
Winston and Andre, playing Super Pals, pretend to rescue Winston’s Doll, Betty Barnacle, from an old pirate ship. But when they go to save her, they hear a spooky noise that prevents them from making their heroic rescue.

Special Agent Oso – “Sock Puppet Royale/Costume of Solace” – 7:30 a.m.
Oso teaches Lauren how to make a sock puppet for the upcoming puppet show. Then, Oso helps Amanda create a princess costume out of items she already has at home.

Jake and the Never Land Pirates – “Tricks, Treats and Treasure!/Season of the Sea Witch” –
8:30 a.m.
Never having trick-or-treated before, Captain Hook joins Jake and his crew as they “Trick or Treasure” on Never Land. But Hook’s greed gets him in trouble as he continually triggers Peter Pan’s thief-nabbing booby-traps. Then, Jake and his crew help protect their friend when a Sea Witch threatens to turn the Pirate Princess into gold.

Jake and the Never Land Pirates – “Night of the Golden Pirate Pumpkin/Trick or Treasure!” – 9 a.m.
Jake and his crew set off for the Pirate Pumpkin Patch to find the Golden Pirate Pumpkin, which is said to fly over Never Land once a year when the moon is high. Then, Captain Hook wears a Halloween costume disguise to trick the kids out of their yummy “treasure” of Halloween treats.

Jake and the Never Land Pirates – “Jake The Wolf/Witch Hook” – 9:30 a.m.
When Jake disobeys a warning written on a gem, he turns into a wolf under a full moon. Jake’s mates search for the cure before Wolf-Jake stays a wolf forever. Then, Jake and his crew set out to help Queen Coralie get the Golden Glam-Shell, which she needs for her special Fin and Frolic dance party tonight.

Thomas & Friends – “The Monster of Brendam Docks/The Phantom Express” – 10:30 a.m.
On a foggy night, Salty’s wild tales about the Monster of Brendam Docks sends Percy and Cranky on a wild goose chase to find the Monster. Then, James tries to trick Percy and Stephen into thinking that Ulfstead Castle is haunted, but ends up scaring himself most of all.

Stella and Sam – Halloween Special – “Felix the Ghost/Monster Misunderstanding” – 11 a.m.
When Sam accidentally turns his friends into Halloween characters, the search is on for the missing wizard wand to change them back. Then, things go bump in the night when Stella and Sam become monsters in the moonlight.

Lalaloopsy – “Knick Knack Knock Knock” – 12:30 p.m.
While searching for a mysterious Ghost Dog, Specs and Bea enter a spooky mansion and are frightened by Scraps Stitched ‘n Sewn, a scary-looking doll who is actually just very shy.

Special Agent Oso – “A View to a Mask/Pumpkin Eyes” – 1 p.m.
Oso helps Kevin make a Halloween mask out of a paper plate to go with his tiger costume before his friends arrive for his Halloween party. Then, Oso teaches Navé and her dad how to carve a pumpkin for a Halloween Jack-o’-lantern contest.

The Save-Ums! – “Scary Things Don’t Blink!” – 1:40 p.m.
The Bats think they see a monster in the cave and the Save-Ums hurry in to investigate.

Henry Hugglemonster – “The Halloween Scramble/Scout’s Night Out” – 3:30 p.m.
Dressed as a spacemonster, Henry selflessly volunteers to save the day when Roarsville’s traditional Treats Balloon is carried away by a gust of wind. Then, a scouts camping trip takes a creepy turn when Daddo tells the scouts a scary story about the Spooky River Monster.

Jake and the Never Land Pirates – “Stowaway Ghosts/Happy 1000th Birthday!” – 6 p.m.
When Captain Hook accidentally releases three prankster ghosts who vow to never leave the Jolly Roger, Jake and his mates help get rid of the trickster phantoms. Then, at the Pirate Mummy’s 1000th birthday party, Captain Hook “borrows” the mummy’s new ship to escape an angry sand shark.

Jake and the Never Land Pirates – “Pirate Ghost Story/Queen Izzy-Bella” – 7 p.m.
Jake and his crew help Treasure Tooth the Ghost Pirate search for his lost Golden Figurehead so he can reunite with his ghostly pirate gal, Peg-Leg Peg. Then, Izzy magically becomes a legendary pirate-adventurer and completes the Queen’s quest to find treasure in Never Land’s Valley of Ice.

This October we got lots of amazing releases. We are always excited to watch a family friendly movie and enjoy a good story. Recently we had an opportunity to see new Warner Bros. Pictures release Max (please do not mix it up with Mad Max). It is a story about precision-trained military dog, Max, who serves in Afghanistan alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott. They are the best friends saving each other in deadly attacks. Max was trained by Kyle Wincott since it was just a few months old and they spend most of the time together finding bombs, weapons, and drugs and protecting people. Unfortunately, during one assignment, things go terribly wrong on maneuvers and Kyle is mortally wounded leaving his family in grief. Max, traumatized by the loss of his best friend, is unable to remain in service and sent stateside. The only human Max seems willing to connect with is Kyle’s teenage brother, Justin (Josh Wiggins), so Kyle’s family decides to adopt the dog as a connection to their elder son. Justin has issues of his own, including living up to his father’s expectations, and he is not interested in taking responsibility for his brother’s troubled dog. Justin who plays computer games all days long and often argues with his father, after brother’s death tries to find connection to the past and heal the pain related to the loss of his only brother.

Very soon Justin finds help from Carmen, neighbour girl who is pretty knowledgeable with dogs and knows how to communicate with them. Max turns out to be a very smart, brave and dedicated dog, and seems the only one who knows the truth what happened to his handler that day on the front. Teens with Max team up to find out and face not only challenges to make their friendship stronger bus also save the family.

Max is an incredible story, we enjoyed watching it. Teddy liked that Max is much more than just a friendly pet who barks for no reason, but rather a friend ready to protect whom he loves. The film stars famous Thomas Haden Church as Justin’s dad and Lauren Graham as his mom.

Directed by Boaz Yakin the movie Max is now available on Blu-ray Combo Pack/ DVD and Digital HD. It also includes special features about dogs (there were five of them) who play Max and how they make all fancy tricks. The movie is dedicated to all the dogs and handlers who lost their lives.

Monday, October 26, 2015

When I was invited to the screening of the movie Room, I did not think it is going to be that emotional and inspiring. Based on the best-selling Emma Donoghue novel with same name, the story brings a lot of questions and breaks your heart.

The movie is not presented as criminal thriller with revenge outcome but rather shows regular people feelings in a horrifying story. The whole family suffer for many years, mother who lost her teen daughter and does not know what happened to her. The daughter, who kidnapped and gave birth to a child, forced to live in a small garden shed with a little child without any connection and possibility to leave that room. I cannot compare the movie to the novel, since for me the film came first and I can tell you that it is really good. In the world of the child Jack (Jacob Tremblay) there are only four walls and three people: Ma, him and Old Nick. The 5 year boy loves his mother and thinks the world ends outside the walls. He and his mother (Brie Larson) often discuss what is real and what is not. Once a little mouse shows up and Jack was so impressed to see another live creature in the Room. Jacks mother does everything to keep Jack healthy and happy; they exercise, learn and play together. Their special bond between mother and son is strong, as Jack is the only one who keeps his mother from losing her mind and gives inspiration to live.

After Old Nick lost his job and was not able to find one for six months making his property about to be foreclosed, Jack’s mother decides to get her son out, pretending he is dead. The boy was smart enough to ask for help when out and tells the police where his mom is locked. First time out Jack realizes that there is much more in this world than the Room he grew up in.

Ma and Jack are on the way to live with grandparents, the happiness and relief of getting back mixed with the challenges to adjust to the new environment. Emotional stress is for both, Jack with absolutely new things around, and mother who is trying to connect somehow to the old new environment of her own home.

I can only imagine how difficult for both is to fit a new life. For a while I had a feeling that Jack misses the Room and wants to get back because it is his world and who he really is. He and his mom even visit the Room after the investigation, just to say bye to all things which were their world for five years. Another thing is breastfeeding that was a part of Jack’s Room life and when they settle at grandma’s house, this connection between mother and son comes to the end. There are lots of ups and downs in getting back for Jack’s mother and new life for the boy.

The story of captivity is not over yet, you are always judged by others if you did everything right. When the reporter questions Jack’s mother if she did everything possible to save and protect her son, she just cannot bear it anymore. After the suicidal attempt when Jack saves her mother they promise that never leave each other. Parent’s love is so enormous and powerful.

The movie is now playing in theatres, have to mention that The Room won the prestigious Audience Choice Award at TIFF 2015 and was shot in Toronto.

Friday, October 23, 2015

Fall is in a full swing with first snow in October, the abundance of colors along with rich harvest. We try to catch last warm days wherever is possible, visit farmers market and stock up with colorful fruits and vegetable the earth brought us to enjoy. We spend more time with family preparing for celebration of Thanksgiving and Halloween. Our dishes vary in taste and texture: vegetables, pasta, meat and poultry. Do you like to get home and taste delicious, tender and melting pasta forgetting for a while about celiac disease and other health issues?

Recently, a gluten free lasagne has been launched in Canada thanks to Catelli®, the company that listened to their customers and brought to the market new “generation” of pasta which is gluten free. Catelli® Gluten Free Lasagne is the sixth cut of pasta to be featured in the Catelli® Gluten Free Pasta line, voted by consumers as a 2015 Best New Product Award winner. The line also includes Penne, Fusilli, Macaroni, Spaghetti, and recently-introduced Linguine. New Catelli® Gluten Free Lasagne is made from a delicious blend of four grains –– white rice, brown rice, corn and quinoa. It is also low in sodium and a good source of fibre. Along with being wheat free, cholesterol free, and without preservatives, this pasta is easy to digest and still has the great taste and texture of regular pasta. Now I can only imagine how many delicious recipes can be made with new Catelli® Gluten Free Lasagne. We tried Veal and Eggplant Catelli® Gluten Free Lasagne recipe, perfect for fall season and great family meal. We liked it for being tender, soft and delicious. Now I have many ideas in my head what to cook using new Catelli® Gluten Free Lasagne.

Time to enjoy a variety of recipes and here is one we loved
in our home. It is a classic lasagne
with flavourful new twist in roasted red peppers, smoked paprika, eggplant and
delicious Catelli® Gluten Free Lasagne noodles. I used more than one box of
noodles about 14 pieces.

Season veal with salt and pepper. In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat; sauté veal for 6 to 8 minutes or until browned. Strain to remove fat; return veal to skillet. Add smoked paprika and tomato mixture; cook for 3 to 5 minutes.

Enjoy!Update:
One our lucky reader will win one full case (12 boxes) of Catelli® Gluten Free Lasagne to try and taste the difference of new gluten free product, thanks to the generosity of Catelli. The giveaway is open to Canadian (excluding Quebec) residents only and ends November 10, 2015.

Prizes are limited to one prize per winner – i.e. while a person may enter multiple Catelli® Gluten Free Lasagne online contests, he or she is eligible to collect a prize from only one of the contests entered.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Science and technology achievements are used to bring the best solutions to countries, people and communities. With technological advances in healthcare, science, technology, research and education - Canada is a great place to live. Toronto boasts the largest combined biomedical and biotechnology sector in North America. Since discovery transplantable stem cells at the Ontario Cancer institute in Toronto, stem cell researches occupy the best scientific minds and give an abundance of opportunities to treat the most devastating diseases in the world.

At the beginning of October new science exhibit, designed for children ages 4-14 opened at MaRS Discovery District in Toronto. Super Cells: The Power of Stem Cells takes kids into the world of stem cell science trough the four interactive and self-guiding zones. We had a chance to check them out and I like that the whole exhibit intended for kids to understand the science of super cells. Each zone includes animations and games and provide a child with a stimulating hands-on approach to learn. For example, in the Lab we learned what work is done at research centers, how to be a scientist, handle different types of instruments, see the tiny world via microscope and become Antman in the area of cells and tissues.

At Super Powers zone kids discover the powers of stem cells in humans and animals accompanied by four superhero characters: Builder, Reviewer, Regenerator and Transformer. This high tech exhibit is so spectacular and colorful that you can never imagine that it is happening in our bodies. Stem cells are the building blocks of the body, transforming to become 200 types of specialized cells that make us into the unique individuals we are. The ability of stem cells to self-renew is incredible, meaning repair and replace old or damaged cells what plays an important role in regenerative medicine. In that area stem cells make biomaterials and molecules to repair, regenerate or replace diseased cells, tissues and organs.

Key notes presented by Prof. Molly Shoichet (University of Toronto) and Dr. Michael May (CEO of Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine) at the event we attended at MaRS were focused on introducing the ability of stem cells to new generation of scientists and researchers. It is not surprising that this exhibit takes place in Toronto as Canada is a leader in the stem cell and regenerative medicine health care. As the speakers highlighted, now Canada and the world need to educate and inspire future brilliant scientists, doctors, researchers, engineers, lawyers and healthcare professionals to bring the best achievements to our society. And stem cells open doors to welcome everyone who has passion for science and medicine.

Super Cells is an award-winning exhibit that was produced by the Stem Cell Network and Musee Nature Sciences Sherbrooke, with assistance from stem cell and regenerative medicine translation centres in Canada, the U.S. and the UK. It opened in September 2014 in Sherbrooke, Quebec, and has since travelled to Newcastle, UK. After the Toronto stop, Super Cells will be on display in the United States (California), and then it returns to Canada in 2017, to the Musee du Fjord in Quebec.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Welcome to the world of dominating dark colors, perfectly tailored suites, agents and spies. The recent Steven Spielberg movie Bridge of Spies starring brilliant Tom Hanks takes us back to 1950s, the time when the Cold War was taking its turn and horrifying both parts of the world. Children learn at school the types of nuclear bombs, the power of explosion and watch devastating effects of nuclear weapons video materials any scary movie cannot compete with.

When the FBI arrests Rudolf Abel, a Soviet agent living in New York, convincing him in sending coded messages back to Russia, proved and documented. Next challenge is to find who is going to protect Rudolf and represent him in court. In the existing circumstances the government authorities approach James Donovan (Tom Hanks), an insurance lawyer from Brooklyn to show the society that they can provide a defense. Donovan, who found respect in the legal community for his negotiation skills, is new to this kind of defense and understands that protecting Soviet spy would put in danger his life and his family. Eventually, Donovan agrees to represent Abel in the court based on the principle that everyone deserves a defense and every person matters.

The movie so clearly reflects how lonely but strong is Donovan in the case when even his wife and children can not understand why he is so dedicated to the case of protecting Soviet spy. James Donovan does his best when trying to prevent Abel from receiving the death penalty and take the case to the Supreme Court. While the legal partners express the statement that Donavan’s work is done and he does not need to make extra efforts as everything is clear with Abel’s fate, James’s skills in courtroom continue to impress. At the same time an American U-2 spy plane is shot down over Soviet airspace on a mission taking photos of strategic Soviet locations. The pilot, Francis Gary Powers, who is supposed to poison himself to death when caught by Soviets, is convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison in Russia.

The CIA, impressed by Donovan’s negotiation skills, decides to send him to arrange and negotiate a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. In Berlin, Donavan dives into the set of events when the Berlin Wall is constructed to reflect different governments. I think only the real story can be that complicated, Donavan finds out that an American student named Frederic Pryor has been arrested in East Berlin while trying to return to his home in the West. While the CIA is interested only in the pilot exchange, Donavan decides to negotiate for the release of both, the pilot and the student; because he understands that there may be will never be better time to do it. How smart and strong the person has to be to do the exchange at Glienicke Bridge, Donavan who does not speak nor German neither Russian was able to do unbelievable. He was robbed on the streets, cold and lost but with the belief that every person matters.

The movie Bridge of Spies is now playing in theatres. Enjoy every single moment of the film and breathtaking Tom Hanks play. The movie scenes are so meticulously shot with all stars cast. It is time to see heroes not in colorful outfit but in perfectly fit lawyers’ business suits.

Monday, October 19, 2015

Children start building their immune system at about 2-3 month age. Baby's immune system starts to develop when it comes in contact with bacteria and viruses. We know how important is to have healthy gut for little babies. Upset stomach, colic and diarrhea are just a few gut related issues everyone experiences during lifetime. Abdominal pain, flatulence and constipation affect up to five million Canadians. The foods we consume significantly affect and define our gut health. With astonishing number of 75 million people in North American suffering from upset stomachs we want to see our children growing healthy and strong.

Recently we were invited to an information session to learn more about Probiotics, and how BioGaia® products can help adults and children achieve a healthy gut. The event was hosted by health professional Bryce Wylde whom I met before and attended his educational seminars. He specializes in homeopathy, clinical nutrition, supplementation, and botanical medicine. Julie Daniluk, the nutritionist and co-host of reality cooking show Healthy Gourmet (Oprah Winfrey Network), and in-house nutritionist on the Marilyn Denis Show (CTV) joined us to share her knowledge about food choices, health and presented her delicious recipes.

Everything starts with food choices we make every single day. Our gut flora changes depending on what we consume. If food is rich in sugar and low in fibre, we lose the balance between good and bad bacteria in out guts. While the importance of antibiotic is out of question, right now it is definitely #1 killer of probiotics. It takes from 12 to 24 month to get your digestive system back on track, that’s why the taking probiotics is so important. The demand in probiotics grows every year as the balance in the digestive system means strong immune system, healthy body, less stress, allergy and skin problems.

What you can do to improve, preserve and help children achieve a healthy gut:

Stress and anxieanty is not only adult problem, children require digestive tract treatment, probiotics and fibre

BioGaia products available in Canada in two formats: Probiotic Drops and Probiotic Sugar-Free Chewable Tablets. Both contain the exclusive probiotic L. reuteri Protectis. This special probiotic naturally colonizes the digestive tract. It is even found in the milk of breastfeeding mothers. In fact, it is among the first bacterial species to become naturally established in the normal flora of babies.

L. reuteri Protectis is one of the most well-researched probiotics in the world, especially in children.
BioGaia® products:

Are 100% natural

Do not contain alcohol

Do not contain preservatives

Do not contain sugar

We tried both Probiotic Drops and Probiotic Sugar-Free Chewable Tablets. I think that drops are perfect for little babies because you can add them to any drink. Elder children of Teddy's age like Chewable Tablets more. Teddy gets sick few times a year especially during fall and winter seasons with flu and cold, and last time his temperature was so high that the doctor gave him antibiotics to take and then probiotics to keep the balance in the digestive tract. Kids are getting sick very often especially with upset stomach, it is always good to have reliable products to support our children body and keep them healthy.

If you like to learn more about the presentation please check it on-line. BioGaia® is available at most pharmacies and natural health stores across Canada. You can always check with health professionals and learn more about BioGaia at http://biogaia.ca/

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

First memories are very strong, especially for kids. Everyone remembers their first day of school or their first lost tooth. New friends, new teachers, new subjects and activities. All the emotions and challenges of first timers are to discover amazing new things in children's life. Now you can share these fabulous first memories with your Sesame Street friends in Sesame Street: Elmo Can Do It!
This all new video compilation full of stories and songs takes you on a journey to discover all your favorite Sesame Street friend’s first encounters. From haircuts to sleepovers, preschoolers will enjoy learning life lessons, while addressing milestones and transitions in a fun way. Sesame Street: Elmo Can Do It!
is available on DVD October 13, 2015.

Start your adventure with Abby as she packs her wand and pajamas to embark on her first sleepover at Big Bird’s nest. Then, while Papa Bear and Mama Bear spend some time away, help Baby Bear get excited about meeting his new babysitter! Continue the fun with Elmo as he harnesses his writing skills and composes a letter for the first time. Finally, all your Sesame Street friends will come together for “National Try a New Food Day” as they each try a delicious treat they’ve never had before. You may even discover the first time Cookie Monster ate a cookie! All these firsts and more in Sesame Street: Elmo Can Do It!

"Warner Home Bros Home Entertainment is thrilled to release our next exciting and educational title, Sesame Street: Elmo Can Do It,” said Jeff Brown, WBHE Executive Vice President and GM of Non-Theatrical Franchise Marketing. “Kids now have the opportunity to view their favorite TV character’s first memories all on one fantastic DVD.”
Celebrating its impressive 45th anniversary this season, Sesame Street is the #1 top-of-mind preschool show with moms. The series has received more Emmy awards than any other show in television history, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award.

Monday, October 12, 2015

My Little Pony, one of the most popular television series on Treehouse TV, brings even more exciting news to all fans. A new full-length feature film My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Friendship Games being released Digitally, on DVD and a Blu-ray/DVD/Digital combo pack in Canada on October 13th.

The story starts with preparations to a special event which happens every four years. Canterlot High meets its rival school, Crystal Prep Academy, in a competition that’s a long-standing tradition – The Friendship Games: a series of exciting events that includes archery, motocross, and rollerskating! Sunset Shimmer is tasked with keeping magic out of the games to keep things fair while she and her friends compete against Crystal Prep’s top students led by someone with an equal amount of interest in Equestrian magic – this world’s Twilight Sparkle.

Both schools nail strategies to win the game, even though these are just friendship games, everything is taken seriously and students are ready to compete encouraging each other. The only concern if there is any cheating used in achieving the goals. Magic power can be used for bad or good. The competition is pretty tough and rivals go far to win the game. They are to find out if the taste of victory worth the efforts, tricks and manipulations. In this journey the girls find whether they really want to be the first and what exactly they are looking for in this world, there is always something great for everyone.

I watched the movie with Teddy, he likes the story and how it is folding out in the school environment. He said that friends are very important in every situation, they cheer with you and support no matter what happens. There are lots of very good songs in this movie, and liked that Sing-Alongs included as bonus features in this release. The movie is very colorful, especially girls outfit and accessories. Cute pets are also in the movie to join their owners and entertain.

To celebrate this fantastic release we are excited to give away a copy of My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Friendship Games to one of our lucky readers thanks to Shout! Factory Kids!The giveaway is open to Canadian residents only and ends November 1, 2015.

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Shopkins are very cool new toys and sometimes I compare them to new generation of collectibles which grow and gain more fans every year. Their little size, bright colors and funny names catch children attention right away. I am finally convinced that Shopkins are not only for girls, boys like them too. When we received our Shopkins sets from Imports Dragon, Teddy was very excited and could not wait to check them out. He examined each shopkin and decided to assign them to different roles in his plays. Shopkins can be used in shows, games and decorations. You can take them with you when travelling, to the playground and friends. Shopkins are small and can easily fit any pocket or bag, even little one, that’s why Teddy like them. The only difficult task is which ones to choose.

Our first set we received is Choc Frosted Shopkins set, and as holiday season is on the way and the season 3 selections already hit the stores, there are various Shopkins to choose from depends on themes like Bakery, Sweet Treat, Fruits & Veg along with Hats, Shoes, Stationary and Homewares. The funniest thing was having a hidden shopkin toy in the set, Teddy was so impatient to open the set and see what that hidden shopkin is.

The second set we received was Shopping Cart with two exclusive shopkins, shopping bags and a guide. Teddy now can put his buddies in the cart and follow all the stages of shopping like in real world. I found that each shopkin mean so much to our kid, he split them according to his plays and will be happy to collect them all thanks to Collector’s Guide. According to this guide some shopkins are exclusive and limited and some are common.

The last pack, unique and lovely Shopkins Fashion Spree - Ballet Collection with Piano, Music Box, Tiara, Ballet Dress, Ballet shoes along with other exclusive shopkins. The little shopkins in this set made to be the perfect pencil or stick décor, so you can use the whole set and tell the stories as we did. The Piano has a storage space where you can put little shopkins.

Shopping season is coming up and if you are looking for great gifts for young collectors, Shopkins are really good ones and affordable too. There are a lot of themes available to fit any taste. These Shopkins sets are available at major retailers like ToysRUs and Walmart for $19.99 and are selling fast, especially the recent Shopkins 3 release.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Kids grow fast and always need new clothes and shoes, toys to challenge them and gear to fit their needs. I think every parent faces a dilemma what to do with all outgrown stuff we bought for our children. It looks like a couple of months ago your kid had a perfect pair of jeans and now they seem pretty short even though it was worn only several times. It becomes more noticeable when children go back to school and need more clothes, tech, toys and other things for school, or when switching to shorts and sandals in summer. Re-sale became very popular the last ten years, lots of consignment stores opened recently and today we would like to tell you about a very special one - Kid to Kid.

In August first Kid to Kid store opened in Canada. With over 100 stores successfully operating in the U.S. and Portugal, now new Kid to Kid opened their doors in Mississauga. Kid to Kid sells children clothes, toys, shoes, baby equipment and maternity clothing at affordable prices. Their goal is to help local parents sell their unwanted stuff for cash or in-store credit and shop for what they really need. The best thing you can get 20% more than store cash offer by choosing store credit.

We visited the store this September and were very impressed with the selection and how well is everything organized. The aisles reflect the seasonal trends, where Back-to School items, Halloween costumes and warmer outfit are put upfront. The items set up by age and size so you do not need to dig through the racks trying to find the size and style you need. Most clothes and shoes are gently used; we got absolutely fantastic items for Teddy. I can say that Kid to Kid as like a treasure store because you never know what cool and stylish items you may find there. Our designer clothes and a pair of shoes were absolutely amazing.

You can get extra discount from time to time, simply follow the company on Twitter and Facebook for updates. For example, we received 20% discount simply for shopping during week-end.
You can always come to the store with your child, as there is a nice play area inside, a small entrance door designed specially for kids to enter the store and friendly stuff ready to help you with everything including products, sizing, toys, styles and more.

And now giveaway time! Enter to win $50 Kid to Kid credit to shop in store located in Mississauga, Ontario. The giveaway is open to Canadian residents who can get to Kid to Kidlocation at 2273 Dundas Street West, Mississauga. Happy Shopping!

Monday, October 5, 2015

Fall is a wonderful season filled with colors, harvest and holiday preparations. While the weather is getting colder and we tend to pull out our sweaters and winter coats to warm up, there are so many interesting things to do during this colorful season and enjoy it to the fullest. Pumpkin patches, farm adventures, holiday decorations, mazes, apple picking, pumpkin carving and much more. You do not need to spend much to enjoy the season, even a trip to the nearest park brings so many positive emotions and fun for the whole family. This year we are excited to team up with fantastic Social Fabric community bloggers and share our favorite Fall activities. I want to pack my luggage and take a trip across to all fabulous places. Check the Falls Best in the US, Canada and UK!

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Join the stories of courage and heart which are featured in new Peanuts compilation from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment - He’s a Bully, Charlie Brown. Important life lessons are learned by the Peanuts gang in this release which will be great to watch for both kids and adults. This heartwarming collection brings together He’s a Bully, Charlie Brown and two newly remastered content into 4K Ultra HD, It’s a Short Summer, Charlie Brown and an episode of The Charlie Brown & Snoopy Show. In this must-own compilation, Charlie Brown is called upon to stand up for one of his pals, who is taken advantage of by a bully at summer camp. This title will be released in time for National Bullying Prevention Month, which is taking place this month.

With school out for summer, Charlie Brown and his pals set out for camp. Rerun van Pelt, Lucy’s youngest brother, brings his prized collection of marbles, which once belonged to his grandfather, Felix, an award-winning marbles champ. Rerun is determined to become a marble master just like his grandpa but first, he must find someone who will teach him how to play the game.

At camp, Rerun meets Joe Agate, a tough-talking and disrespectful older boy who takes advantage of Rerun’s naiveté and cons him out of all his grandpa Felix’s marbles. A devastated Rerun confides in Charlie Brown, who is so disgusted by Joe’s behavior that he decides to stand up to him, with the help of Snoopy as Joe Cool, of course. Will Charlie Brown summon the courage to face the awful Joe Agate and win back Rerun’s beloved marbles?

In It was a Short Summer, Charlie Brown, which is also featured on this release, it’s a hilarious battle of boys against girls, with Snoopy having to get in the middle of it all. At summer camp, the Peanuts gang put up with poor food and the girls winning all the sports competitions. To get even, the boys challenge them to an arm-wrestling contest between Lucy and “The Masked Marvel” – aka Snoopy in disguise. Will the boys triumph or stay defeated?

He’s a Bully, Charlie Brown also features an episode of The Charlie Brown & Snoopy Show, which includes four delightful segments, including Shoveling, Rerun, Lost Blanket and The Manager.

“He’s a Bully, Charlie Brown, sends a powerful message. From time to time, we’re all faced with situations in which we have to be strong, courageous and stand up for what we believe is right,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Vice President Family & Animation Marketing. She added, “We’re delighted to release this inspiring collection. If you love Peanuts, this is one title you won’t want to miss.”

The release, available October 6, 2015, aligns with Anti-Bullying Month in support of educating and raising awareness of bullying prevention. Thanks to Warner Bros. Home Entertainment one lucky Teddy Out Ready reader is going to win a copy of He’s a Bully, Charlie Brown DVD. The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends October 19, 2015.

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About me

My name is Faniya and I am Mommy to lovely little boy Teddy. Together we love to go out, be active and explore this amazing world every single day. Join our stories, adventures and discoveries. You can contact me via e-mail: info@teddyoutready.com. Always love to talk.